3 Myths About Online Networking in the Job Search

With the rise of social media, online networking has become an essential requirement for finding the right job fast. Yet there are still many job seekers either scared or confused by social media.

Now more than ever, great networking can occur through meeting and engaging with people online, whether those are hiring managers or just info-interview sources.

So don't let this new technology keep you from finding your dream job. There are three myths about online networking that may be keeping you from truly embracing this opportunity to advance your career.

Networking Myth 1: Online networking is a threat to "real" networking

Actually, when done right, online networking can powerfully augment your in-person relationships. If you find connection through social media, try to take that conversation off-line: invite them to coffee or lunch. It's cheaper and faster to meet new people online, but quality relationships are better built in-person. Use both.

Further more, social media is a great way to stay up-to-date with what your contacts are doing, where they are working now, and even what they are thinking about. Use social networks to continue an earlier conversation, or simply share a good article with someone you thought about. This type of virtual engagement keeps you top of mind and keeps the relationship fresh.

Networking Myth 2: My personal information is at risk if I use social media

Whether you like it or not, you have a digital footprint. Believe me, there are ways for people to find out some very personal things about you, even if you never switched on a computer in your life. The real issue is fear. Executives are afraid of coming across as immature. Others are afraid of ID theft. Still others simply don't like the idea of sharing so much about themselves.

If you really think about it, however, posting your education and work experience on LinkedIn is no different than randomly applying for any job! In both cases, some stranger is going to learn more about you, and with a résumé, they'll even have your address!

Furthermore, most of what someone is going to know about you from social media is content you voluntarily post. So don't be silly and post your social security number, date of birth and when you are going on vacation. There is still way more risk of ID theft from stolen postal mail than there is with social media.

Networking Myth 3: Networking is unnecessary because my résumé is good enough

I hope you never fall pray to believing a résumé is enough. In fact, you want to be at a point in your networking where you never have to hear the word résumé again. Sure, you might need it to fill out an application, but all hiring decisions today are based on the value you can add to the company. Social media allows you to really demonstrate what you can bring to the table, either as a blog, virtual work samples and even a lively Twitter presence. A résumé is simply not the marketing tool it used to be. So get out there and network!